Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1887-11-23
Death of Edmund Sweeney.


Edmund Sweeney, prominent and
well known citizen OF Watertown for over
80 years, died suddenly OF apoplexy at his
home 10 the Fourth ward, Thursday af-
ternoon, November IL, 1887. in his 64th
year. Deceased was born in the town oil
Killarney, county Kerry, Ireland, March,
1924. He received what education the
primary schools of bis native town afford
ed, and at the age of Is he emigrated to the
United States, his family settling in Mas
sachusetts. Mr.. Sweeney resided in that
state six years finding employment. in the
manufacture of cotton goods, his last work
of this nature being done in the town Of
Thorndike. In 1916 he came to Clyman,
Dodge county, with bis parents and set
tied Qua farm. He held various Offices
of the town and in 1862 was elected clerk
of the board of Dodge county, a position
he held with satisfaction to the people for
four years. In 1856 MIR. Sweeney re-
moved TO WATERFOWL, from which time
up to the period of his decease he was en-
gagged in the grocery and dry goods trade
and has done highly successful business
his large property leaving his family in
independent circumstances. In this city
the confidence in Mr. Sweeney's ability
and integrity he's been often shown by his
election to Offices of trust and honor. In
1866 Mr.. Sweeney was elected county
treasurer on the Republican ticket, filling
this important and responsible Office two
years. He served several terms as men,
Der of the board of education with gener-
al acceptance and was chosen president
of that body Mr.. Sweeney frequently
his ward on the county board
of supervisors, in which line Of official
duty he rendered the city valuable service
as a member ofethe committee on equali-
cation. A prominent figure for many
years Mr.. Sweeney was indeed marked
man in the community aud his influence
was often felt on various questions involv-
ing the prosperity and welfare of this city
He had been great reader through
life, which coupled with the fact that be
a remarkably fine memory rem
dered him one of the best authorities
among our citizens upon nearly all
subjects, especially historical. A deep
thinker and a strong reasouer, Mr.
Sweeney was also formidable in discus
sion or debate. But after all he was hu-
man, and his life was marked with some
of the faults and fobles Of our nature and
yet who can say that his errings were
greater or more than the average of men.
He was strong in his friendships, urbane
10 manner, and sociable, entertaining and
hospitabe to those with whom he came
III contact. The grave has indeed closed
in upon an able man, safe counselor
and a warm friend zone who will be greatly
missed 10 the community in which be
moved for SO many years. May he rest
in peace is the fervent prayer of his wide
circle of friends. Mr.. Sweeney was mar
red in 1856 to Miss Margaret Farmer, Of
this city, who, with one daughter, Miss
Lizzie, survives him.
The funeral held from ST. Demands
Catholic church, Sunday afternoon at 3
o'clock, was largely attended. Rev.
Father Condor was assisted in the services
for the dead by Rev. Father Hodnett, of
St. Malachi's church, Chicago, who de-
livered an eloquent and deserving tribute
to the memory of his deceased friend. The
remains find last resting place in ST. Ber-
nard's cemetery by the side of his daugh-
ter, Maggie.